If you're looking for a healthy way to create balance in your body, the macrobiotic diet may help, according to Michio Kushi in the book "The Macrobiotic Way:
The Complete Macrobiotic Lifestyle Book." The macrobiotic diet is based on a traditional Chinese diet and is used as an alternative technique of treating cancer. Consult your doctor before starting a macrobiotic diet.
History
In the 18th century, German philosopher Christopher W. Hufeland wrote the book "Macrobiotics, or the Art of Prolonging Life," which created a new interest in the ancient Chinese lifestyle and eating program, says Kushi. George Ohsawa, an educator in Japan, brought the teachings of macrobiotics to Europe and America after curing himself of illnesses by eating sea vegetables, miso soup, brown rice and other traditional macrobiotic foods, notes Kushi. Kushi is a student of Ohsawa, who has written several books on macrobiotic principles.
Significance
The macrobiotic diet is based on the idea of balance. By eating foods that are a balance between yin -- foods that are watery, cool and dark -- and yang -- foods that are dry, warm and light, the body may achieve balance, says Doug Dollemore in the book "New Choices in Natural Healing for Women." By eating some foods that are yin, some foods that are yang, and some foods that are completely neutral, you will create balance in your body that follows the principles of macrobiotics.
Sample Meal Plan
The macrobiotic diet consists of approximately 5 percent soups, like miso soup; 5 percent sea vegetables, like seaweed; 5 percent nuts, seeds or fruit; 10 percent foods with protein, like fish or soy; 50 percent whole grains, like brown rice; and 25 percent seasonal vegetables, either raw or cooked. For breakfast, eat cream of wheat with cinnamon and raisins and steamed apples. For lunch, eat a rice cake with almond butter and a tofu and winter melon soup. For dinner, eat stir-fried tofu, gluten and seasonal vegetables with brown rice.
Considerations
In the macrobiotic diet, experts often recommend eating miso soup for breakfast to help achieve balance in the body. Do not use a microwave to cook any dishes, notes EveryDiet.org. Instead of gobbling your meal while multitasking, sit and enjoy your meal while chewing your food slowly. Stay away from cheese, meat, eggs, spices, sugar and alcohol -- these foods are too extreme on the yin and yang scale and do not fit into the macrobiotic diet.
Expert Insight
According to MayoClinic.org in the article "Macrobiotic Diet: No Panacea, But A Step In The Right Direction," a macrobiotic diet may help prevent certain diseases, including cancer. On the other hand, although it is touted as an alternative treatment for cancer, there is no proof that following the macrobiotic diet can actually cure cancer, notes MayoClinic.org.
References
- "New Choices in Natural Healing for Women"; Doug Dollemore; 1997
- Every Diet: Macrobiotic Diet
- "The Macrobiotic Way: The Complete Macrobiotic Lifestyle Book"; Michio Kushi, Stephen Blauer; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Macrobiotic Diet: No Panacea, But A Step In The Right Direction
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